Chard Casserole Recipe Vegetarian That Everyone Will Love

Chard is one of those leafy greens that often flies under the radar, but it deserves a prime spot in your kitchen repertoire. With its tender leaves and slightly earthy flavor, chard brings a lovely depth to vegetarian dishes.

Today, we’re diving into a warm, comforting chard casserole recipe vegetarian lovers will adore. Whether you’re aiming to get more greens into your diet or simply craving a hearty, wholesome meal, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Plus, the melty cheese topping and the savory filling make it a crowd-pleaser even among non-vegetarians!

This casserole combines sautéed chard with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, aromatic garlic, and a hint of nutmeg for warmth. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

If you’re looking for a fresh way to enjoy this nutritious green, this recipe is a must-try. Ready to impress your family or guests?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chard casserole is an incredibly versatile dish that balances nutrition and flavor beautifully. It’s easy to make in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free vegetarian meal.

The creamy ricotta mixed with tender chard creates a luscious texture, while the mozzarella topping adds the perfect golden crust after baking.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can switch up the cheeses, add extra veggies, or even incorporate some cooked grains for a heartier casserole.

It’s a great way to use up garden-fresh chard or frozen greens. Vegetarians and those new to cooking with chard will find this dish approachable and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of Swiss chard (about 8 cups chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×9 inch casserole dish or equivalent
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the chard: Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves roughly. Set aside the stems for another use or finely chop them to sauté.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the chard: Add the chopped chard leaves to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the chard wilts and reduces in volume — about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, nutmeg, and milk. Stir until smooth. Add the sautéed chard mixture and mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the casserole: Pour the chard and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top, then add breadcrumbs if using for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips & Variations

Make your chard casserole even more flavorful by adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling.

If you want to make this dish vegan, try substituting ricotta with a tofu-based ricotta or cashew cheese, and use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives. For a gluten-free version, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Tip: When sautéing chard, if you want to retain more nutrients, cook it for a shorter time just until wilted. Overcooking can diminish the vibrant green color and nutrients.

For an extra herby touch, add fresh chopped basil or parsley to the cheese mixture. You can also experiment with adding cooked quinoa or rice to make the casserole more filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chard casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or garlic bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.

It also complements other vegetarian dishes such as roasted root vegetables or a light soup. If you want to explore more vegetarian recipes, check out our delightful Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or spice things up with a comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

The chard casserole recipe vegetarian is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it an excellent addition to your meal rotation. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a satisfying, cheesy flavor that will win over even the pickiest eaters.

The vibrant greens packed with vitamins and minerals make this dish a guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy Swiss chard in a new and delicious form.

Give it a try and don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes on our blog like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the fresh and zesty Halibut Dip Recipe for more culinary inspiration.

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